SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten–Mid Isle hosted its annual Change of Board (COB) Ceremony at Paradise Event Hall on Welgelegen Road, marking the official transition of leadership for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
Incoming President Grace Linger was formally installed as President for the 2026–2027 year, succeeding outgoing President Esmeralde Richardson‑Rommy. Under President Esmeralde’s leadership, the club earned three major awards from District 7020 and Zone 34:
- Epic Award.
- District Governor’s Distinction Platinum Award.
- Zone 34 Youth Award.
In her farewell address, President Esmeralde expressed heartfelt appreciation to her Board and members:
“You were the wind beneath my wings — or, on some days, the caffeine in my coffee. You kept things running smoothly. You showed up, stepped up, and occasionally put up with me. For that, you deserve medals.”
She also praised the club members:
“You are the reason this club shines. You volunteered, you raised funds, you served, and you did it all with heart.”
President Esmeralde presented tokens of appreciation to her outgoing Board:
- Vice President / Fundraising Chair:Louis Wever
- Secretary / New Generation Chair / Foundation Chair:Jon Hart
- Treasurer:Tony Da Cunha
- Immediate Past President / Service Projects Chair:Yvette Hart
- Public Image Chair:Anjali Manek
- Membership Chair:Quincy Lont (not present)
- Disaster Relief Chair:Grace Linger
- Wellness Chair:Amanda Wever
- Sergeant‑at‑Arms:Wayne Wilkie
President Grace Linger outlined three guiding priorities for the new Rotary year:
- Strengthen the club— fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment where every Rotarian feels valued.
- Deepen community impact— serving with compassion, consistency, and purpose.
- Live Rotary’s values— leading with integrity, kindness, and courage.
She added:
“My commitment to you is simple: I will lead with transparency, listen with intention, and serve with passion. I ask each of you to join me as partners in purpose. Together, we will make this a year of lasting impact, service, and meaningful change.”
The newly installed Board of Directors for 2026-2027 consists of:
- President:Grace Linger
- Secretary:Ryan Truideman
- Immediate Past President / Vice President / Service Projects Chair / Membership Chair / Learning Facilitator:Esmeralde Richardson‑Rommy
- Sergeant‑at‑Arms / Fundraising Chair:Wayne Wilkie
- Treasurer:Tony Da Cunha
- Foundation Chair / Disaster Relief Chair:Grace Linger
- Youth Service Chair:Jon Hart
- Public Image Chair:Anjali Manek
- Wellness Chair:Ruth Linger
The prestigious Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Disaster Relief Chair Grace Linger for her tireless work and unwavering support to President Esmeralde Richardson- Rommy and the club.
Two community members, Mrs. Tisiana Lamothe‑Hart and Mr. Robert Earl Powell, received Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition for their outstanding commitment to service. These PHFs were donated by Immediate Past President Yvette Hart.
Additionally, Immediate Past President Yvette Hart, already a PHF+5, received an additional PHF from the club in appreciation of her dedicated service, elevating her status to PHF+6.
The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten–Mid Isle extends sincere appreciation to the management and staff of Paradise Event Hall for their exceptional service and support during the Change of Board ceremony.
